A centenarian in Suzhou died days ago at 117. She had been disappointed that she would never attain the Guiness World Record as the oldest female in the world for failing to provide her birth certificate.

Li moved into a senior's home at the age of 100 and impressed staffs of the home for her good memory and clear mind. She often said that her secret for longevity was eating pork cooked in soy sauce at each meal.

With help from the home, Li had once applied for the title of the oldest female in the world, as the record belonged to an American womon aged 116. However, her attempt failed as she was asked to provide her birth certificate from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) when she was born. This, however, was unavailable.